Featured photograph: Beltane Fire Festival, Edinburgh, 2019. Beltane1 / Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0.

A morning meditation, a conversation around a campfire, a song shared with strangers: spiritual festivals offer many ways to step outside your usual routine. Across the UK, gatherings bring people together through yoga, Buddhist teachings, seasonal ritual, music, creativity and a deeper relationship with nature.

The word “spiritual” means something different at each event. Some gatherings follow a particular tradition; others make room for people with different beliefs, including those who simply want time outdoors and thoughtful company. Whether you are beginning a spiritual journey or returning to an established practice, the useful question is which setting, activities and community appeal to you.

This guide includes ten festivals and gatherings worth exploring, with their different approaches explained. A festival usually offers more choice, movement and social activity than a structured retreat. If you are deciding between the two, our guide to what a retreat is can help you consider the kind of break you want.

For gatherings further afield, explore our guide to spiritual festivals worldwide, featuring yoga, sacred music and conscious communities around the world.

Dates, archive footage and image credits

Information checked on 1 November 2026. Dates and arrangements vary by event; where the next edition is unconfirmed, this is stated below. Check the organiser’s current information before booking travel.

The videos include organiser films, promotional clips and archive performances. Dates in captions identify the edition shown.

Figures distinguish capacity, past attendance, total people onsite and combined annual ticket buyers. Workshop examples describe the usual or latest published offering, which may differ from a future programme. Linked size figures lead to their published sources.

Photographs show the festivals and gatherings themselves. Captions credit the source and identify archive editions where confirmed. Images are resized and may be cropped for display.

These short excerpts come from attendee testimonials selected and published by the organisers. They reflect individual experiences; the sources identify an attendance year only where stated below.

Yoga, sacred sound and festival sessions explained

Yoga, sacred sound and healing sessions

Understanding the language on a timetable makes it easier to choose sessions you will enjoy. Look beyond a workshop title to its format, length and intended experience level. A chance to listen quietly asks something different of you from a participatory class.

Meditation, mantra and breathwork

Meditation sessions may invite awareness of the breath, bodily sensations or a particular theme. A mantra is a sacred sound or phrase within a particular tradition, commonly repeated in practice. Kirtan involves devotional singing, with its format shaped by the host community. Pranayama refers to yogic breathing practices, while the broader label “breathwork” covers different approaches. Read the individual session description to understand what participation involves and whether newcomers are welcome.

Sound, massage and other wellbeing activities

For a sound session, check whether you will be listening, singing or moving, and whether you need a mat or cushion. If massage or another therapy appears on a timetable, establish whether it is a group introduction or an individual appointment, who provides it and what it costs. Organisers sometimes group these activities under “healing”; the practical details tell you more about the experience than the label alone.

Ceremony and immersive experiences

An immersive gathering gives you time within a community’s daily rhythm, from shared meals to evening ritual. Descriptions such as “transformational” express an organiser’s aspirations, while mystical or devotional themes reflect particular beliefs. Explore the contributors’ approach before joining, especially when a ceremony involves audience participation. Choose the degree of involvement that feels right for you.

Explore practice and ceremony

Consider the kind of practice you want to spend time with, and the community in which you would like to explore it.

Buddhist practice · festival community

1. Buddhafield Festival, Somerset

Festival-goers sit around a glowing campfire beneath a starry sky at Buddhafield Festival
Gathering around a campfire under the stars at Buddhafield Festival 2024. · Photo: James Ratchford Photography / Buddhafield
▶ Watch the festival film

A glimpse of the gathering, from the film featured on Buddhafield's official website. Watch video · Source and credits.

Buddhafield Festival combines Buddhist practice with the sociability of a summer gathering. The next edition runs from 14–18 July 2027, with a programme spanning meditation, teachings, ritual, yoga, music, dance and crafts. It is rooted in Buddhist values and welcomes people from different backgrounds. Its announced 2027 theme is The Heart of the Lotus.

What makes it appealing is the opportunity to move between reflection and participation. You might be interested in exploring Buddhist ideas, joining a creative workshop or spending time with friends in a field. Its alcohol-free and recreational-drug-free approach helps define the atmosphere, while its family-friendly format makes space for different ages.

Consider Buddhafield if spiritual practice matters to you but you also want music and community. Bring realistic expectations about camping and shared facilities: this is an outdoor festival, with the activity and sounds that come with it.

Festival facts · 14–18 July 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 14–18 July 2027

Location: Somerset

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Meditation, yoga, Buddhist teachings, ritual, crafts, song and dance

Theme or focus: The Heart of the Lotus (2027 theme); Buddhist values and community

Official event information

Yoga · philosophy · sacred music

2. World Yoga Festival, Henley-on-Thames

A participant meditates seated while others rest on mats inside a World Yoga Festival tent
A quiet practice session at World Yoga Festival 2025. · Photo: Andrew Prod Photography / World Yoga Festival
▶ Watch the festival film

World Yoga Festival's official film from its 2025 edition. Watch video · Source and credits.

For a programme that explores yoga beyond physical postures, World Yoga Festival offers a clear starting point. Held at Henley Showground, its next edition is 29 July–1 August 2027. Alongside movement classes, the festival covers pranayama, meditation, non-duality, chanting, kirtan and evening music.

The organisers welcome beginners, so an established practice is not a requirement. Equally, experienced students may appreciate opportunities to hear different teachers and explore aspects of yoga that receive less attention in a weekly class. The festival is vegetarian and alcohol-free, and drug use is not permitted.

Camping is included with relevant festival tickets, with other accommodation options available. This could suit you if you like the idea of several days immersed in yoga while choosing your own sessions. Check the current timetable and ticket inclusions when planning your stay.

“The perfect balance of asana and philosophy from world renowned teachers to challenge the body and mind.”

Festival facts · 29 July–1 August 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 29 July–1 August 2027

Location: Henley-on-Thames

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Asana, pranayama, meditation, non-duality, Ayurveda, chanting and kirtan

Theme or focus: Yoga philosophy and practice across different lineages

Official event information

Ceremony · ecology · next edition 2028

3. Medicine Festival, UK venue to be announced

Roaman plays guitar on Medicine Festival's woodland stage in front of an audience
Roaman performs at Medicine Festival in August 2023. · Image source: Roaman official press kit
▶ Watch the festival film

An aftermovie shared on Medicine's official website. Film: Zak Avery. Watch video · Source and credits.

Medicine Festival’s next gathering is announced for 17–21 August 2028, with its UK location still to be confirmed. There is no festival in 2027: the organisers have moved to a biennial rhythm. This is an event to keep on your longer-term list rather than build into next summer’s plans.

Its approach brings ceremony, music, movement and community into conversation with ecological responsibility and cultural exchange. The organisers describe a vision involving sacred traditions, Indigenous communities and care for the living world. Readers drawn to the relationship between personal practice and collective responsibility may find that emphasis particularly interesting.

As the next edition develops, look closely at the programme, contributors and practical arrangements. With the venue unannounced, historic travel advice should not be used to book accommodation or transport for 2028.

Festival facts · 17–21 August 2028 · no 2027 festival

Festival facts

Dates: 17–21 August 2028
No 2027 festival; venue TBA.

Location: UK venue TBA

Published size: 10,000 people onsite (2026 report)
Approx. 6,500 paying guests; total includes crew, volunteers and artists.

Workshops & programme: Ceremony, music, movement, cultural exchange and ecological discussion

Theme or focus: Reciprocity, cultural exchange and care for the living world

Official event information

Find your kind of gathering

An outdoor village, an indoor day visit and an evening ritual offer very different ways to take part.

Nature · crafts · countryside community

4. Into the Wild Summer Festival, Sussex

Drummers walk along a tree-lined path with a crowd at Into the Wild Festival 2025
Drummers and festival-goers among the trees at Into the Wild 2025. · Photo: James Ratchford Photography / Into the Wild Festival
▶ Watch the festival film

Into the Wild's 2024 gathering, in a film published by Wilder Lands. Archive footage; future programmes and venues may differ. Watch video · Source and credits.

Nature sits at the centre of Into the Wild, which announces its next summer festival for 26–30 August 2027 in Sussex. Its mix includes traditional crafts, rewilding, world music, arts, speakers, foraging and activities for different ages. The organisers also describe wild spa and sauna experiences.

This is a broader conscious and nature-led gathering, so it may appeal if your sense of spirituality grows through making things, learning about the land or spending time outdoors. Families and mixed-interest groups can explore different activities without everyone needing the same enthusiasm for formal meditation or yoga.

The website promises a fresh expression of its nomadic village in 2027. Check the detailed location and accommodation arrangements as they are released. Think of Into the Wild as an active countryside festival, with space for curiosity, creativity and connection.

Festival facts · 26–30 August 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 26–30 August 2027

Location: Sussex

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Wild crafts, foraging, archery, arts, rewilding, speakers and world music

Theme or focus: Nature, creativity and rewilding

Official event information

Indoor day visit · wellbeing

5. Mind Body Spirit Festival, London and Birmingham

Two visitors talk across a colourful stand at Mind Body Spirit Festival London 2026
A conversation at a festival stand during Mind Body Spirit London 2026. · Image source: Mind Body Spirit official festival highlights gallery
▶ Watch the festival film

Highlights from London's 2024 event, published by Mind Body Spirit. Watch video · Source and credits.

An indoor setting can make exploring a spiritual festival feel more manageable. Mind Body Spirit Festival has editions at the NEC Birmingham on 13–15 November 2026 and Olympia London on 28–31 May 2027. These are two locations of the same festival, offering a day-visit alternative to countryside camping.

The programme brings together exhibitors, presenters and experiential spaces. London’s advertised features include sound and meditation experiences, a wellbeing studio and a ceremony space. The wider offering spans wellbeing, personal development and alternative spiritual interests, so reading the schedule beforehand will help you identify what feels relevant.

This is a useful option for sampling different approaches while staying at home or in a hotel. Check which sessions your admission covers and whether particular workshops require additional tickets. Give yourself time to explore without feeling obliged to try everything.

Festival facts · Birmingham Nov 2026 · London May 2027

Festival facts

Dates: Birmingham: 13–15 Nov 2026
London: 28–31 May 2027

Location: Birmingham / London

Published size: 30,000+ annual ticket buyers
London and Birmingham combined; organiser’s October 2026 figure.

Workshops & programme: Sound and meditation experiences, wellbeing classes, ceremony, personal-development talks and demonstrations

Theme or focus: Wellbeing, spirituality and personal growth

Official event information

Seasonal ritual · fire performance

6. Beltane Fire Festival, Edinburgh

May Queen and Green Man beside the bonfire at Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh in 2019
The closing ceremony at Edinburgh's Beltane Fire Festival in 2019, with the May Queen and Green Man beside the bonfire. Archive festival photograph. · Photo: Beltane1 / Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0
▶ Watch the festival film

Beltane 2017, filmed by Richard Winpenny for Beltane Fire Society. Watch video · Source and credits.

For an encounter with seasonal ritual, Beltane Fire Festival offers something distinctive. The latest verified edition took place on 30 April 2026 on Calton Hill, Edinburgh. At the time of checking, the next edition had not been announced, so confirm its details before making plans.

Beltane Fire Society describes the event as a modern reimagining of ancient Celtic celebrations. Fire, drumming, dance, storytelling and community performance bring figures such as the May Queen and Green Man into a shared seasonal story. It is a contemporary creative ritual, shaped by the people who make it happen.

Choose Beltane if you are interested in symbolism, the changing seasons and collective spectacle. This is an evening event rather than a residential wellbeing festival. Allow for outdoor conditions and crowds, and read the organiser’s access guidance for Calton Hill.

Festival facts · Next dates unconfirmed

Festival facts

Dates: Next edition unconfirmed
Latest verified: 30 April 2026.

Location: Edinburgh

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Evening fire procession, drumming, dance and street theatre; not a residential workshop festival

Theme or focus: Modern seasonal ritual drawing on Celtic Beltane traditions

Official event information

Reconnect with the living world

These gatherings connect reflection with practical skills, shared activity and attention to the land.

Deep ecology · smaller community

7. Green Earth Awakening Camp, Somerset

Participants seated in a circle inside a meditation tent at Green Earth Awakening 2024
A group practice session inside a tent at Green Earth Awakening 2024. · Photo: Sagaravajra / Buddhafield
▶ Watch the camp film and an archived talk

The Green Earth Awakening Experience, from Buddhafield's archive of past gatherings. Watch video · Source and credits.

Christopher Titmuss's Facing the Global Crisis: How to Respond session at Green Earth Awakening in 2025. Watch video · Source and credits.

Green Earth Awakening is an intimate off-grid gathering that connects Buddhist practice with deep ecology and social change. Its next edition runs from 8–12 September 2027. Associated with Buddhafield, the camp brings together meditation, yoga, discussion, practical land skills, music and creative activities.

The programme draws on Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects, exploring our relationship with the wider living world. Its small scale may appeal if you want time for conversation and reflection alongside shared activity. The gathering is alcohol-free and drug-free, with a stated capacity of around 350 people.

The 2027 ticket information includes camping, meals and showers, while some extras cost more. This can make budgeting clearer than at festivals where every meal is purchased separately. Confirm the exact site and travel arrangements when booking, particularly if you plan to arrive without a car.

Festival facts · 8–12 September 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 8–12 September 2027

Location: Somerset

Published size: Up to 350 people
Published gathering capacity for 2027.

Workshops & programme: Meditation, ecology, social change, resilience, land skills, crafts and embodied practice

Theme or focus: Buddhist practice, deep ecology and Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects

Official event information

Off-grid living · music · creativity

8. The Green Gathering, near Chepstow

Festivalgoers learn macrame around a craft table outdoors at the Green Gathering
A hands-on macramé workshop at the Green Gathering. · Image source: Green Gathering official Crafts page
▶ Watch the festival film

The Green Gathering's 2025 after-film, shared by the organiser. Watch video · Source and credits.

The Green Gathering returns on 29 July–1 August 2027 at Piercefield Park near Chepstow, Wales. Its central focus is low-impact living, with music, crafts, environmental learning and community activity. It belongs in this guide as an ecological and conscious festival rather than an event organised around one spiritual tradition.

If connection to nature is part of your spiritual life, the opportunity to explore practical alternatives may be compelling. The festival’s off-grid approach sits alongside permaculture, discussion, creative skills and wellbeing spaces. There is also a lively entertainment programme, so expect the energy of a music festival.

Camping helps make the experience a temporary shared way of living. Read the site and access information carefully: Piercefield Park includes hills and countryside terrain. This is a good option for readers who want reflection to sit alongside making, learning and participation.

Festival facts · 29 July–1 August 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 29 July–1 August 2027

Location: Chepstow, Wales

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Permaculture, practical crafts, environmental learning, wellbeing, spoken word and music

Theme or focus: Off-grid living, community and environmental responsibility

Official event information

Leave room for ideas and devotion

Music, conversation and a particular spiritual theme can each provide a starting point for a thoughtful festival visit.

Arts · ideas · wellbeing

9. Solas Festival, Perthshire

Festivalgoers seated in a circle beside a tent at Solas Festival 2019
Festivalgoers gather in a circle at Solas Festival in 2019. · Image source: Solas Festival official website
▶ Watch the festival film

Solas's official 2024 film, from the festival's YouTube channel. Watch video · Source and credits.

Solas Festival takes place at Errol Park in Perthshire on 11–13 June 2027. Its programme brings music and the arts together with ideas, wellbeing and thoughtful conversation. The organisers welcome a broad community, creating space for different religious perspectives and for people who do not identify with a faith.

Solas may suit you if spirituality involves asking questions as much as following a practice. Its recent programming has included a dedicated wellbeing and spirituality strand; past editions have offered activities such as yoga, mindfulness, kirtan and Buddhist meditation. Those examples suggest its range, although the 2027 programme should be checked separately.

Expect an arts festival with reflective dimensions, rather than several days devoted entirely to spiritual workshops. That balance can work well for couples, friends or families whose interests overlap without being identical.

“I think the mixture of discussions, workshops and music within a manageable size of an event is really good.”

Festival facts · 11–13 June 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 11–13 June 2027

Location: Perthshire

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Music and arts, discussion, ideas and wellbeing; previous editions included yoga and meditation

Theme or focus: Inclusive conversation, community, music and wellbeing

Official event information

Devotional exploration · Glastonbury

10. Sacred Magdalene Festival, Glastonbury

Participants in the Sacred Magdalene Festival Pilgrimage of Light
The Sacred Magdalene Festival's Pilgrimage of Light, shown in its official gallery. · Image source: Sacred Magdalene Festival official gallery
▶ Watch the festival film

Caroline Glazebrook introduces the gathering in a film shared on her 2025 event page. Watch video · Source and credits.

Readers drawn to Mary Magdalene traditions may be interested in the Sacred Magdalene Festival, announced for 23–25 July 2027 at Abbey House, Glastonbury. This is a more specifically devotional and esoteric gathering than the broad yoga, arts or nature festivals elsewhere in this guide.

The organisers centre the event on Mary Magdalene’s legacy, with previous editions featuring talks, workshops, discussion, pilgrimage and sacred music. Its symbolic language and spiritual perspective are worth exploring beforehand, so you can decide whether the approach resonates with your own interests.

Consider this festival if you want to explore a particular spiritual theme in the company of others who share that curiosity. Check the current programme and arrangements directly, including accommodation, which should not be assumed to form part of the ticket. Leave some unhurried time for Glastonbury itself.

Festival facts · 23–25 July 2027

Festival facts

Dates: 23–25 July 2027

Location: Glastonbury

Published size: Not stated in sources checked

Workshops & programme: Talks, workshops, discussion, pilgrimage and sacred music (past-edition examples)

Theme or focus: Mary Magdalene traditions, devotional exploration and Glastonbury

Official event information

Plan your UK festival visit

Choosing a gathering, workshop format and practical arrangements

How to choose the right spiritual festival

Choose a clear purpose for your time away: learning, self-reflection, creative activity or meeting people with shared interests. A full programme of teaching, a small ecology camp and an evening fire ritual offer very different ways to spend your time. Read the daily schedule closely to understand the balance between workshops, entertainment, social activity and rest.

Next, consider the setting. If comfortable sleep and a private bathroom matter to you, an indoor day festival or an event with nearby accommodation may be a better match. For camping, pack for cool nights and rain as well as sunshine. Check how far you will carry your bags and whether showers, parking, meals or hired tents cost extra.

Accessibility needs deserve specific answers. Ask about ground conditions, distances, toilets, seating, quieter spaces and any companion-ticket arrangements that matter to you. “Accessible” can mean different things across outdoor sites.

Travelling alone can leave you free to follow your interests. Choosing one or two workshops early in your visit can provide a natural way to meet people. Leave room to take breaks, too; connection does not require constant participation.

If your main wish is a consistent practice, a quieter schedule and more time with one teacher, explore yoga retreats in the UK alongside these festivals. Comparing the formats can help you spend your time and budget well.

Festival size and workshop format: reading the details

A festival’s total size and the size of its workshops answer different questions. Capacity is an upper limit; reported attendance describes a particular edition. Ask whether a published figure counts ticket holders alone or includes crew, performers and volunteers. A large gathering can still offer small-group sessions, while an intimate event may bring everyone together for its main teaching.

For a workshop you particularly want to attend, check its duration, participant limit and booking method. Does your festival pass guarantee a place, or is admission first come, first served? Is it a practical class, a discussion or a demonstration? Four appealing sessions happening simultaneously still give you one available time slot.

Use the facts beneath each festival in this guide to identify promising festivals, then examine their individual timetables. Clear session descriptions and a manageable pace can be more useful than the largest advertised programme. Leave gaps for meals, walking between venues and unplanned conversation.

Spiritual festival questions

Do I need to be religious or experienced in yoga?

Requirements vary. Many gatherings welcome newcomers and people with different beliefs, while others follow a particular devotional or philosophical approach. Read the organiser’s description and choose sessions appropriate to your experience. Curiosity and respect are useful starting points.

Are spiritual festivals always alcohol-free?

No. Buddhafield, World Yoga Festival and Green Earth Awakening explicitly exclude alcohol and recreational drugs. Other festivals have different policies. Check the current rules if a sober environment is an important part of your decision.

Can I attend for a day?

Some events offer day admission, while others are designed around a full gathering. Indoor festivals can be convenient for a shorter visit. Check the ticket options and arrival rules directly; a day ticket should not be assumed to include overnight camping.

The right spiritual festival is one whose approach and practical arrangements fit you. Whether you are drawn to meditation, seasonal celebration, music or time close to the land, choose a gathering that leaves room for your own pace and curiosity.

Rob Horsfall

About Rob Horsfall

Rob has been interested in spirituality since visiting India in 2002. After completing his philosophy studies at university, he continued studying the Buddha's teachings in Sri Lanka. He returned in 2011 and now spends his time developing Review My Retreat, studying acupuncture and integrating insights from different spiritual traditions into everyday life.

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